As Han Xiao darted from one tree to another, his evasion tactics proved somewhat successful. However, the bat's relentless assault left a trail of destruction in its wake, as its sharp claws tore through branches and gouged deep scars into the trunks of the willow trees Han Xiao utilized as cover.
The bat's shrill shrieks echoed through the forest, reverberating with its growing anger and bloodlust. With each failed attempt to land a decisive blow, its aggression intensified, and the chilling aura of its killing intent sent shivers down Han Xiao's spine as if a block of ice had settled on his back, weighing him down with dread.
Ding! Along with that warning dinging tone, a notification flashed in the red interface.
+1 Killing Intent!
+1 Extreme hatred!
+1 Killing Intent!
Total Curse Point 142!
Seizing the opportunity presented by the bat's entanglement in the thorny bushes, Han Xiao leaped onto its back with all his might, wielding his sword in a ferocious assault. However, despite his best efforts, the blade only left a long scar across the creature's tough muscles, a testament to its remarkable resilience against his attacks.
The bat's fury only intensified as it struggled against the thorns that ensnared its body, emitting a shrill sonic shriek that echoed through the forest. Sensing the danger of its wrath, Han Xiao swiftly leaped down and took cover under a bushy tree, hiding himself from the enraged creature's sight.
The bat's attacks grew even more frenzied, its fury manifesting in destructive force. With a single powerful flap of its wings, it uprooted the very willow tree Han Xiao had been using for cover. Splintered wood and leaves flew in all directions, the forest itself seeming to reel from the bat's wrath.
Han Xiao channeled all his strength into his legs, sprinting deeper into the dense willow forest. The bat, now in a berserker frenzy, pursued him with relentless vigor. The taste of his blood had awakened its latent ferocity, amplifying its aura to terrifying levels. His skin tingled with the increased pressure, a constant reminder of the danger closing in behind him.
The loud shredding sound of trees echoed closer from behind.
Dashing in an uneven zigzag pattern, Han Xiao glanced back and saw hundreds of willow trees felled in the bat's wake. The creature loomed in the air, shrouded in a thick, reddish mist, its bloodlust palpable.
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‘What a stupid idea to think I could challenge this monster!’ Han Xiao thought, panic rising in his chest. ‘If this persists, I'll be a goner. What should I do?’ Desperately, he searched his mind for a solution and remembered the Saber-Toothed Wolf, a Middle Stage Three-Stars Soldier Rank beast. “Maybe I can use the wolf to distract this bat and save myself,” he muttered, sprinting towards the wolf's territory, hoping his gamble would pay off.
With that decision made, Han Xiao veered towards the southwestern part of the forest. As he ran, the bat suddenly surged with a burst of speed, its presence looming ever closer and sending a wave of terror through him. He pushed himself harder, weaving through the dense foliage with desperate agility, hoping he could reach the wolf's territory in time.
At his current speed, the bat would intercept him within five breaths of time. Desperate, he called out, “System, are there any modes to increase my speed?”
As if understanding the urgency of his situation, the system chimed with a 'ding,' and a new notification appeared in his mind.
[ Use Ten Shopping Keys to unlock your passive Curse Agility Movement Skill! ]
Han Xiao had the urge to curse the system for being a penny-pincher but ended with a mental swearing, knowing he couldn't afford to waste any time. Nonetheless, the system rewarded him with another Curse Point.
+1 Swearing Point!
Total Curse Points: 143!
Do you wish to buy the skill?
Required: Chant the Incantation For The First Time To activate and it will become a passive skill.
Without a second thought, he muttered, "Yes!" Instantly, one hundred curse points were deducted from his total, and the worn-out leather book appeared in the red interface. The book flipped open on its own, revealing a new black page with strange, freshly inked text.
While running, he read each word, the incantation rolling off his tongue as if it were his native language. As he reached the end, he shouted, "Curse Speed Burst!"
Ding!
Curse Speed Burst Activated!
+10 Agility Points!
Total Curse Points 43!
After the incantation, the Curse Speed Burst skill activated, and the strange texts materialized as black tattoos on both his feet. He felt a surge of energy, as if he could leap over an ocean. His speed increased multiplefold, leaving the bat in the dust.
Looking back, he added with a smile, “This is too fast. If I keep this up, I might leave the bat far behind. Still, I’ll lead it to the wolf and try to take advantage of their fight.” With that plan in mind, he intentionally decreased his pace, soon spotting the bat looming in the air, its wings fluttering with malevolence.
The entire night became a relentless cat-and-mouse chase as Han Xiao led the enraged bat toward the domain of the Saber-Toothed Wolf. The forest echoed with the sounds of pursuit: the bat's shrill cries, Han Xiao's rapid footsteps, and the rustling of leaves and snapping of branches. He could feel the tension building, the anticipation of the impending clash between the two beasts.
And soon he reached the edge of a stony terrain, overgrown with willow trees standing tall in uneven patterns. However, the moment Han Xiao entered the region, his nose was assaulted by the foul odor of dried cakes of animal excrement—clearly marking this territory as another predator's domain.
After moving further, he halted and turned around to see if the bat would take the bait and enter this region in its bloodlust pursuit.
The bat also caught wind of the foul odor and recognized it as another overlord's territory. It momentarily ceased fluttering in the air, fixing its predatory gaze on the youth.
Han Xiao reached for his waist and unsheathed a sharp dagger. He made a cut on his palm and tossed the blood toward the bat, taunting it with a smile, "Hah, are you chickening out? Don’t you want to feast upon every last drop of my blood, spineless creature!"
Though the bat couldn't understand his words, it had gained enough intelligence to recognize that the prey was mocking it. The sweet, flavorful smell of blood in the air tempted it even more. With a shriek, it made its move to continue hunting its prey.